They will try "dictionary" attacks first,

Why? When it takes 17 seconds to eliminate all the 6-character alphanumeric possibilities on a single gpu, you might as well run it anyway.

Unless you know for sure that you can exclude them, in which case, why not save a few cents.

Yes, a minimum length is a good idea, but 4, 6 or 8 simply isn't enough to make the slightest difference. You aren't even vaguely affecting anything until you get to at least 12-chars these days.

The more logical approach would be to exclude all known words (in all languages). But if the attacker knows you are doing it, you've still helped rather than hindered him.

In the end, any known restrictions simply help the attacker.

With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'
Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".
In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.

The start of some sanity?

In reply to Re^5: Password strength calculation by BrowserUk
in thread Password strength calculation by cavac

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